An Insider’s Guide To Tech Companies In Sacramento

When you hear names like Apple, Intel, Oracle, and Hewlett-Packard, or read about the explosion of technology in fields like healthcare, agriculture, and bioscience, you’re likely to think about Silicon Valley. That’s understandable.

But would it surprise you to learn these companies and industries all have a big presence in the greater Sacramento area as well?

Why Technology Jobs Matter

It’s no secret that jobs in the tech industry are still in high demand. The salaries and benefits that come with work in the tech sector are some of the best available. Tech employees tend to be happier overall, and there’s the inherent “cool factor” of working in a tech job, especially if the company has a lot of buzz around it in the news.

All this means technology companies tend to attract top talent from around the country, and even the world. While competition for the most desirable jobs is fierce, those that do get hired are likely to be working with other talented and like-minded peers, which is often another big draw for those who are after a fulfilling career path.

When big companies like Apple, Google, or Amazon set up shop in a new location, it often means hundreds or thousands of new well-paying jobs will be created. This can instantly lift the status and appeal of the town or city they locate in, and give the local economy a boost.

The Sacramento Tech Scene

Unbeknownst to many, the greater Sacramento area has become a hotbed for new and existing technology companies. Tech companies in Sacramento run the gamut from iconic names like Apple, Intel, Hewlett Packard, and Oracle to smaller local companies. At Fortis we provide managed IT services to a number of small, growing tech firms.

While the big names typically have their headquarters in Silicon Valley, their presence here in Sacramento is no less important. Many use their locations here for research and development labs, warehousing, distribution, sales, and customer service positions.

Agricultural Technology

According to the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, food production in the Sacramento area is a two billion dollar industry. This means the market for agricultural technology companies (agritech) is both large and diverse. Agritech companies here primarily focus on seed and crop breeding, protection, development, and testing.

Leading companies like H.M.Clause, Bayer Crop Science, and Monsanto all have a large local presence. Many smaller agritech startups are making the area home as well, with over two hundred million dollars in funding going to agritech and biotech companies since 2010.

Biotechnology

Sacramento’s biotechnology companies provide a little bit of everything. From stem cell research to pharmaceuticals, there’s a tremendous amount of innovation going on.

While the Bay Area is considered the birthplace of the California biotechnology industry, the Greater Sacramento area contains over one hundred biotechnology and medical device companies and over to 150,000 life sciences and health sector employees.[1]

In addition, U.C. Davis boasts one of the world’s premier life sciences research programs and labs. The university’s program covers everything from genetics and biology to agricultural and environmental sciences.

Technology Manufacturing

While not as big as the agritech or biotechnology sectors in Sacramento, the technology manufacturing presence here is still noteworthy. Major players located in the area include companies such as:

Aerojet Rocketdyne

Intel

Hewlett-Packard

TSI Semiconductors

These companies are building a diverse array of products used in the technology, aerospace, and defense industries.

What Comes Next?

Tech companies in Sacramento are here to stay, without question. There is every indication that the industry is not just growing, but (mostly) thriving. Local tech companies are also being listed as some of the coolest and most cutting-edge places to work.

For those who are new to the Sacramento area or are considering relocating and are looking for work in a tech-related field, there is a wide range of opportunities to choose from.